Strengthening Government Health Management Information System (HMIS) and Innovative Monitoring Approaches in Micronutrient Demonstration Programs: Experience from Three Asian Countries.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The Micronutrient Initiative (MI) is supporting host governments to demonstrate effective strategies to strengthen zinc supplementation as adjunct to ORS for the treatment of diarrhea and IFA supplementation to reduce anemia among pregnant women across three Asian countries. The objective of this paper is to describe experiences related to designing and implementing a monitoring framework in these programs in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Methods: A monitoring framework was developed with two key components. Key indicators on coverage and stocks were incorporated in the government HMIS. Data on knowledge, and practices were collected through MI district field officers with short and simple checklists. Regular feedback based on this information was provide to the health system managers for program improvements. Results: In Bangladesh and Afghanistan HMIS was modified to record and report on coverage of zinc supplements in treatment of diarrhea among children <5 years. Stock out indicators for zinc and ORS were also incorporated in the system. An indicator receipt of >180 IFA tablets during pregnancy is being introduced.